Lake Macquarie City is set to become even more small business-friendly with Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Jodie Harrison and Council’s General Manager, Brian Bell, signing the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) Program Charter earlier this week.

Cr Jodie Harrison said small businesses are the powerhouse of our local economy, and it is vital we ensure they have ample opportunity for growth and sustainability through improved relationships with all levels of government.

“By signing up to the SBFC Program, Council has the opportunity to review its procedures and practices in dealing with small businesses, explore new initiatives and share small business-friendly strategies with other councils,” Cr Harrison said.

This initiative comes on the back of Council forming and funding Dantia, the City’s economic development company, to unlock and strengthen the economic growth potential of the City.

Council, through its support of the Lake Macquarie Business Growth Centre, also provides assistance to our more than 12,000 local businesses through a range of programs including mentoring, coaching, business support services and the Save Watts program, which reduces their electricity costs.

The SBFC Program has been developed by the Office of the NSW Small Business Commissioner in partnership with the NSW Business Chamber, and is the first of its kind in Australia.

Image |Mayor of Lake Macquarie, Councillor Jodie Harrison and Council’s General Manager, Brian Bell, sign the Small Business Friendly Councils (SBFC) Program Charter